The trial of a youth pastor accused of having a sexual
relationship with a teen-age girl began Monday in District Court
with the teen-ager taking the stand.

Marty A. Hynes, 33, is charged with eight counts of criminal
sexual contact of a minor, three counts of criminal sexual
penetration of a minor and one count of attempted criminal sexual
contact of a minor.

Hynes was a youth pastor at the First Assembly of God church when
the alleged incidents occurred, between July and December 2001. The
church dismissed Hynes from his position shortly after the
allegations were made.

According to court testimony, the teen-ager met Hynes when she
was 15 years old, while she was a high school volleyball player.
Hynes' wife was the coach.

The girl testified that after she turned 17 years old, Hynes
began to kiss and fondle her, and it eventually lead to sexual
intercourse.

In opening statements, defense attorney Mario Esparza said Hynes
does not deny the sexual relationship, but said it was consensual.
Esparza also denied that Hynes used his position as a youth pastor
to influence the girl and said he never forced her into physical
contact.

"It does take two to tango," Esparza said. He said the teen-ager
would call Hynes' cell phone and e-mail him, proving it was
consensual.

Esparza said the teen-ager was not a member of Hynes' church, nor
did he work at her school.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Susan Riedel said it does not
matter if it was consensual.

"It's against the law," Riedel said.

The teen-ager held back tears as she described how she told Hynes
"no" when he would touch her.

"I was afraid of what he would do if he got angry," the teen-ager
said as to why she did not fight him off more vigorously. "I thought
he was Godly. I forgave him. I thought he wouldn't do it again."

The allegations came to light after the girl attempted to take
her life with over-the-counter medication.

Hynes took notes and whispered to his attorney as he listened to
the testimony. Hynes, who is free on bond, is married with two
children.